Online resource for school staff

A new website is helping school support staff to engage in learning opportunities at work.

Developed by public services union UNISON and public sector partners with finance from the Union Learning Fund, www.skills4schools.org.uk was launched last month.

It provides teaching assistants, catering staff, secretaries and caretakers with advice and guidance to help them "take advantage of the new career opportunities created by the School Workforce Agreement".

With a focus on staff who do not already have qualifications, the site details the courses and qualifications that are available and explains how to enrol and obtain funding. A key feature is the "journey planner", which enables visitors to the site to build their own personal and professional development plans, while case studies show what can be achieved.

A dedicated section for union learning reps explains how they can help their colleagues to make the most of the site, with resources ranging from model agreements to a "remodelling survival guide".

"Support staff provide a vital service in delivering education, and it is right that their training needs are not forgotten," said UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis at the website's launch. "This new resource will allow everyone to have access to high-quality professional training and development."